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Principal’s Message | Dr Michael Carroll

Dear members of the Terrace Family,

The end of this week marks the half-way point of Term 4. That is somewhat amazing as it feels as if the term has only just started.  With this in mind, my comments this week are focused on the need for all students to be working hard and ensuring that they are keeping up with both class and assignment work.  By ensuring the hard work is done over the next couple of weeks, the end of term exams, which are three weeks away, will be more manageable.  A reminder that assessment calendars, term planners and checklist booklets are all available online and provide excellent support and organisation.  The next couple of weeks are very significant.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students for a great start to their external exams this week.  These exams are spread across 16 days, with some subjects involving two papers.  The exam block is a challenging time for the students, but I know they have the support of the entire Terrace Family.  Before the English exam on Monday, the Year 12 students gathered in College Hall as a sign of support and solidarity for each other.  They then made their way to the Campbell Centre through a student tunnel, formed by all the other students from Years 5 – 11; a traditional Terrace way of wishing our Seniors good luck.  Following the English exam, the Terrace Ladies Group and Year 12 parents put on lunch for the Year 12 students, again as a sign of support.  There is no doubt that the external exams are challenging.  However, there is also no doubt that our Year 12 students are not facing the exams alone – we are all with them on the journey.

The Celebration of Excellence, like many other events and activities this year, will look somewhat different in 2020.  This year, there is a limit to the number of people who can attend the event, and as a result, only the parents of prize winners, along with some staff and a small number of students involved in the band or other performances will be able to attend.  These restrictions are unfortunate, but as was the case with arrangements around Term 3 sport, are necessary to keep us healthy and to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.  The Celebration of Excellence will be streamed so that other family members can view the event.

This Friday, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day.  We are very fortunate at Terrace to have a dedicated and professional staff, both teaching and non-teaching.  To all of the Terrace staff, my thanks for all that you do for the extended Terrace Family.

Finally this week, I remind parents and other drivers to exercise caution and consideration when driving near the College and also when driving near Tennyson.  Please be considerate of our neighbours and aware of the students as they cross the road.  Thank you for your ongoing support with this issue.

Have a great week.

God Bless.

Dr Michael Carroll                                                                                                            College Principal              

Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

This Friday is World Teachers’ Day, an occasion to celebrate, be proud of, and thank our teachers for all they do in a spirit of service to students and their families. We are generally known as a somewhat conservative bunch, so change does not always come quickly and easily to all teachers. The two enormous events that have forced us to make a significant change in a relatively short time recently are QCE and COVID. This year, more than ever, it has become clear that teachers are genuine experts in their field and the Learning@Home phase has shown that boys need schools like Terrace and the staff who are responsible for all that takes place.

Some of us carry the official qualifications, but all adults are here to guide, mentor and teach our youth. On World Teachers’ Day, we would like to expand our thanks to all staff at Terrace, both teaching and non-teaching. Each group is reliant on the other and our students are fortunate to have our staff of over 200 looking after their holistic development both within and outside the classroom. On behalf of the Terrace Family, I thank all staff at Terrace for the enormous difference you make every day. I thought it appropriate this week to share a section of a favourite prayer that can apply to any of our staff at Terrace.

I am a Teacher

I am a teacher first.
I was born the first moment a question leapt from the mouth of a child.
Through the course of a day, I have been called up to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, taxi driver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesperson, politician and keeper of the faith.
An architect knows that if she builds with care, her structure may stand for centuries.
A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what he builds will last forever. 
And so I have a past that is rich in memories.
I have a present that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.
I am a teacher…..and I thank God for it every day.

Our Seniors commenced their external exams this week, the culmination of their years as school students. It was fabulous to see a large number of parents preparing and serving lunch for the boys on Monday and Tuesday – also a lovely opportunity for parents to reconnect. The thoughts and prayers of the Terrace Family are with the Seniors over the next few weeks as they finish their Terrace journey. For staff, there is a great sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from shaking the hands of graduates as they walk out the front gate as students for the final time. Best wishes also to the remainder of our students as they enter the last month of the school year.

Program Leader: Campus Ministry | Mr Andrew Stormonth

Over the past three weeks, we have been looking at how we, as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, foster and encourage members of our community to be called to mission. To walk in solidarity, be agents of change and be present. This week, we celebrate all of our wonderful teachers who have walked with our students. In our Years 8 and 9 Retreat programs, we focus in on our Emmaus and Micah people – the people who guide us and mentor us to be the best version of ourselves. We give thanks to our teachers, who are our Emmaus and Micah people.

From this week, we move our focus to the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal. For most of us, Christmas is a time of celebration with family and friends, with the joy of exchanging gifts, making precious memories together and enjoying delicious Christmas treats. However, for 2.2 million Australians, including families and 750 000 children living below the poverty line, Christmas can be a time when meeting their most basic needs, like putting food on the table or a place to call home, is a real struggle. The Vinnies Christmas Appeal is all about bringing joy and festivity to families and individuals who may require extra support.

This year, the Terrace Family are again supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal by collecting items in our Pastoral Care Groups to make hampers for families and individuals who are doing it tough. After everything that has happened this year, there are many more individuals and families who are experiencing poverty and deserve more. In Houses and at Waterford Place, you will be asked to bring in items to help create the hampers we will donate to Vinnies at the end of the term. Your effort with this means a family in our community is being supported during this time of the year. House Deans will let you know when and where to bring in the hamper items. Last year we were able to create a 100 family hampers and 50 individual hampers.  Let us continue the efforts and see how many people we can support this year.

On behalf of Vinnies, thank you for your donations, and we look forward to presenting these hampers at our Thanksgiving Liturgy at the end of the Term.

Lord our heavenly Father,
We pray for those who are experiencing difficulty or hardship at this time.
May they be helped to find a place where they are safe,
A roof over their head,
A companion to help them emotionally,
good health
A satisfying meal
May they find strength and healing in God during this difficult experience.
May we seek to be forgetful of ourselves so that we can be in service to others.

Live Jesus in our hearts…forever.

Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

Our College Motto, Servire Deo Sapere - To serve God is to be Wise, is one that should inspire us in all that we do. It articulates our commitment to the formation of the Terrace Gentleman. To be a young man of faith and learning who will make a difference through knowledge, humility and wisdom. We have been witness to this over the last couple of weeks as our College Vice Captains addressed the student body for the final time. In one way or another, they all reflected on a year that was characterised by the service of others. The reflections from all four leaders were firmly embedded in the relational approach to leadership, which significantly enhanced their influence throughout the year. However, it is not just events of the 2020 year that they highlighted in their speeches. They all made references to individuals and cohorts that had been before them who also led through their actions.  This year the Senior group focused on the challenge to Be the One. In many ways, this motto has asked our community to be conscious of being a positive influence in the lives of others. While I am certainly looking forward to hearing our current College Captain, Sam Dutton, make his final address in the coming weeks, we can rest assured that the 2020 Senior group have value added to the great Terrace legacy of student leadership being grounded in the service of others and the service of God. 

The final term can sometimes be challenging in school communities. It is an exciting time of year, but it is crucial that all students remain focused until the final exam. From Year 5 through to Year 12, the little things matter at Terrace. Staff are working hard to prepare lessons and provide feedback on drafts for the boys. Can I ask that you pick up on conversations with your son’s that will assist us in providing a positive learning environment over the coming weeks. Standard of dress, punctuality, using correct classroom etiquette and completing homework are all conducive to maximising learning outcomes for your sons.

Dean of Studies | Mr Mason Hellyer

At Week 4 of an eight-week term, reality starts to kick in. Assignments are due and exams are on the horizon (three weeks away). The workload has been steadily increasing and now the need to revise is a reality. Some advice for students at this time:

  • Those students who are organised and have planned their studies will now start to reap the reward of their earlier work – keep going, be persistent and stick to your plan.
  • To those who have not planned or who have not started their revision – do not panic! There is still time if you get to it now. The worst thing you can do is ignore your study and hope it will go away. Sorry, but it is not going to happen. Plan the rest of the term, start your revision with some extra work after homework is done, get help from a mate, your tutor, your teacher, your parents. There are lots of people here to help you, just ask.
  • Attend the staff tutoring sessions offered by our generous teaching staff. They are a great way to get assistance with that problem solving question you can’t answer or that concept you do not understand. Tutoring times can be found on the College App.
  • Year 11 students can access Study Hall every morning and afternoon in 422.
  • Be an active learner. Seek out assistance for the problems, questions or concepts that you do not understand.

Exam calendars will be available from next week. This is an important document that shapes each student’s planning for the later part of the term. In Formation classes, students will spend some time incorporating this information into their study plans.

Our Senior cohort has commenced their external exam block. While the exams have been challenging, the initial feedback is that they are confident as they have prepared well and know they are supported by the College. My thanks to all the students who wished them well in the Terrace tunnel on Monday morning. Thanks also to the Terrace Ladies Group for the provision of two wonderful lunches to keep the students going over the first two days.

Dean of Waterford | Mr Luke Gribble

No matter what stage you are at in your life, we all know a teacher who has left an indelible mark on our lives. World Teachers’ Day 2020 - #WTD2020 - celebrates our teaching community with the theme ‘Teachers: leading in crisis, reimagining the future’. This theme reflects the commitment and sacrifices that teachers have made as professionals as they adapted to a rapidly changing environment to ensure that the teaching and learning continued. At Terrace, we also include our excellent non-teaching staff in this celebration in the knowledge that they contribute to the care of our students and are integral to the efficient running of the College. 

Despite the challenges of the year, each member of our Waterford team has made the extra effort to ensure that our boys have had both a productive and enjoyable year. I am sure you will join me in thanking them for their dedication to teaching each day. A very happy International Teachers Day!

As we are at the halfway mark of the term already, I ask for your assistance in encouraging our Waterford boys to focus on their assignments and other assessment pieces. Understandably this time of the year can be distractingly busy, and the prospect of a long break is just around the corner. However, it is important to finish with a focused mindset, practising the rigour and discipline that will sustain a successful transition into the Senior school.

From focused minds to growing pains: there is no doubt that our Waterford gentlemen have developed behaviourally, academically, psychologically and physically. This quiet period, ahead of the rush to the finish line, is also an opportune time to reassess whether a wardrobe upgrade is required. Feeling comfortable in our school uniform is critical to putting your best foot forward, as well as ensuring we all wear the uniform well. Please consider your son’s uniform and whether replacements are required. In particular, a number of boys need to ‘retire’ their grey shirts and move up a few sizes. If your son has lost their hat or it has holes, please let us know when it will be replaced. And if your son has any issues with their laptop please be sure to email our team via waterfordplace@terrace.qld.edu.au to notify us when their laptops will be fixed or purchased.

As always, our Waterford team is here to support you – please reach out if we can assist.

Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

Performing Arts and Debating Seniors – 2020 

Last week, we took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Senior Performing Arts and Debating students in separate functions.  These programs require dedication and skill to enable students to excel.  We are fortunate at Terrace to have Support Groups that work behind the scenes to support the staff and we thank them for their generous gifts to our outgoing students.

We look forward to seeing and hearing great things from these students in the coming years.

Music and Speech and Drama Exams

Over the next three days, many of our Music and Speech and Drama students have chosen to take their discipline to a higher level by undertaking external exams.  Purposeful practice is also needed to attain this achievement, as well as true dedication to their craft.  We look forward to sharing their results over the coming weeks

Terrace Performing Arts

The TPA will have its AGM at the next meeting – scheduled for Tuesday 10 November.  All positions will be vacated.  If you would like to get involved with the Performing Arts program, please contact Mrs Nicole Hoffmann – TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au  – for further information. 

Support Group meetings

Support Group meetings will be held online if necessary.  Should you wish to contact the Debating Support Group, please email: DSGChair@terrace.qld.edu.au or the Terrace Performing Arts, please email: TPAChair@terrace.qld.edu.au .

Staying in touch   

To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we would suggest you download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter (@GTCulture) and Instagram (terrace_gtculture) to ensure you don’t miss a thing.   If you have any photographs or video that you would like to share, please tag us. 

TWITTER            @GTCulture  INSTAGRAM      terrace_gtculture  YOUTUBE          Terrace Culture YouTube Channel

Director of Music | Mr Jan Hewerdine

Welcome to Week 4

Congratulations to members of the Red Thunder Drumline, who participated at the AFL Grand Final on the weekend.

I ask that all families of musicians and singers who have been invited to be a part of the Celebration of Excellence on 17 November, go to Parent Lounge to accept/decline the event.

A reminder that if you wish to cease lessons, you need to notify us two weeks prior to the end of term (Week 6 Friday 13 November).

Thank you to all who attended Music Practice Hall.  To ensure its continuity next year, I would ask that as many students as possible participate in this initiative. We are also looking at adding a second day. More to come.

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Music Department  music@terrace.qld.edu.au

Term 4 Events

  • Tuesday 17 November - Celebration of Excellence
  • Thursday 19 November - Year 12 Valedictory

Director of Sport | Mr Tony McGahan

Back Red & Black

Our new sport sponsorship program Back Red & Black* kicks off next year. A streamlined new way to get behind our athletes, Back Red & Black offers 12 months exposure across seven sports for $4000. Sponsors can nominate a sport (80%) or support Terrace Sport more broadly (with the College allocating funds according to internal priorities). To see your logo in every home game day program, on the digital screen at the Tennyson canteen, and on the website and App (via recognition in the Online Business Directory), please contact Sponsorship Manager - Cathy Stacey on sponsorship@terrace.qld.edu.au, call 0434 074 372, or see our website (www.terrace.qld.edu.au/support-us/back-red-black). Our inaugural sponsors will be recognised as First to Back Red & Black.

*The program will be extended to Culture in 2021.  

Terrace Shop

Volunteering at the Terrace Shop

During Term 4 we are welcoming our newest students to the Terrace Family and we need your help! We would love to have you assist us in the Shop as each new student is fitted for his Terrace uniform.

It is a lovely tradition to have current parents volunteer in the Shop during this time. It gives new families an opportunity to meet other parents and ask those everyday questions in a friendly and welcoming environment.

It doesn’t matter if you have not volunteered with us before – we warmly welcome everyone! We will be here to help you and will give you a quick cheat sheet for the fitting process.

We will attend to the uniform fittings from Term 4 Week 1 -  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am - 2.45pm. 

On Tuesdays 27 October, 10 November and 17 November we will need assistance until 5.15pm. There are two families booked at one scheduled time, therefore we hope to have two volunteers kindly assist after school.

If you are interested in helping us, please put your name down to volunteer via the following links.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We both look forward to welcoming you!

Donna Asnicar and Felice Gatenby terraceshop@terrace.qld.edu.au

Events

Find your upcoming Terrace Family invitations below...

The joy of Christmas is giving to others. 

The Terrace Family is warmly invited to show their support for the 2020 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Over the coming weeks, students are welcome to donate hamper items to their House or Waterford Place which will be used to make up hampers for families and individuals in our local community.  Let's Be The One to make someone's Christmas a little merrier this year. 

One more weekend to enjoy up to 40% off retail brands such as Clinique, M.A.C. & Bobbi Brown at the Estee Lauder Corporate Store shopping experience, fundraising for Terrace Volleyball

Details: Saturday 31 October  | 10am – 4pm 
Where: Level 2, 33 Park Road, Milton 
Cost: $10 (+ booking fee) | Includes entry 
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link by 31 October
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Diana Weeden | polloni.weeden@optusnet.com.au

Estee Lauder Shopping Experience | Book HereTLG Teams Meeting Link | Join Here

Details: Sunday 29 November | 1 - 4.30pm
Venue: Tennyson Playing Fields
RSVP: No RSVP necessary. All Old Boys and current Terracians and their families are warmly invited to attend.
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Blair Copelin | BlairCopelin@Terrace.qld.edu.au 

Year Level Parent Social Functions

Find your upcoming parent/caregiver functions here...

Year 6 Parent/Caregiver Coffee Morning

Details: Friday 6 November | From 8am
Venue: Victoria Park Bistro, Herston
Cost: Pay at the bar
RSVP: Please RSVP for COVID-19 safe purposes using the below link by Monday 2 November 
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Kelli McKeiver | kelli.mckeiver@outlook.com

Year 6 Coffee Morning | RSVP Here

Year 6 End of Year Break Up

Details: Friday 27 November | 12 - 3pm
Venue: Centenary Pool, Gregory Terrace Spring Hill
Cost: Admission - $15 (+bf) | Includes admission, sausage sizzle & cake
RSVP: Please RSVP via the below link
For further information or enquiries, please contact
Catherine Hennessy | terraceclass2026@gmail.com

Year 6 Break Up | Book Here